Driving in Sierra Leone

An International driving license is compulsory for one month to drive in Sierra Leone; after that term Sierra Leone driver license is required. Driver licenses issued by other countries may be recognized for conversion into a Sierra Leone driver license.

The main Sierra Leone road traffic rules:

Driving is on the right side of the road.

The minimum age for driving a private car is 18 years, a public service vehicle and truck – 21 years, a motorcycle – 16 years.

It is illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol or drug. The permitted blood alcohol level is 0.08%.

Drivers and all passengers in front seats are mandatory to wear seat belts.

Children under 5 years may not be ridden in front seats.

Children from five to 18 years of age must wear seatbelts in front and rear seats.

The maximum speed limit in urban areas is 70 km/h (43 mph).

Everybody who rides or is ridden on a motorcycle must wear a protective crash helmet.

The vehicle insurance is required.

It is prohibited to park vehicles on a footway and pedestrian crossing and on the verge or shoulder of a road.

Every motor vehicle must be equipped with a reflective triangle.

The vehicle lights must be switched on from 7.00 p.m. daily and any time in foggy or rainy weather; as to motorcycles, at all times when they are used.

A rider may not carry more than one person on a motorcycle or bicycle unless it is constructed for the more than one passenger.

The police phone number is 999.

Additional information:

In Sierra Leone, the car examination is conducted every six months for commercial vehicles and once every year for private vehicles.

If a police officer requires, any driver must give such officer his name and address, his driver license, the name and address of the owner of the motor vehicle, the vehicle registration document, the certificate of insurance, and other documents issued in respect of the motor vehicle.